<a href="http://inhabitat.com/tag/henning-larsen/">Henning Larsen Architects</a> has unveiled plans for their winning <a href="http://www.henninglarsen.com/news/archive/2012/06/sustainable-city-development-in-the-faroe-islands.aspx" target="_blank">sustainable city development for Klaksvík</a>, the second largest city in the Faroe Islands. Out of 154 competition proposals, the Copenhagen firm wowed the jury with a city centre that would literally transform the urban environment. A star-shaped central square provides a connection to the water front, beach, surrounding green areas and the city, while a new street plan will help minimize the effects of the very windy climate.

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Klaksvik City Centre-Henning Larsen

Henning Larsen was awarded first place in an international design competition to create a new urban plan for the city of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Klaksv%C3%ADk" target="_blank">Klaksvík</a>, which is situated in the island of Borðoy, the largest of the northern islands.

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Klaksvik City Centre-Henning Larsen

The city spans over two opposite mountain ridges, connected by a low-lying area where two inlets meet. Because of its location, the city is particularly windy, so designing for comfort and microclimate were high priorities.

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Klaksvik City Centre-Henning Larsen

To provide a more sheltered environment, Henning Larsen came up with a plan to confuse the wind in the city centre.

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Klaksvik City Centre-Henning Larsen

By shifting the buildings and re-aligning the streets, the new plan will break up the dominant south-east and north-west winds.

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Klaksvik City Centre-Henning Larsen

As the plan progresses, a more detailed analysis of the local wind conditions will allow the design team to carefully create volumes to maximize energy efficiency.

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Klaksvik City Centre-Henning Larsen

The project will consist of a star-shaped central city square that provides a connection between the adjacent waterfront, urban center and the green areas.

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Klaksvik City Centre-Henning Larsen

The 150,000 m2 area will also house a cultural house, a museum, residences, offices and shops. In addition, the city centre will also be connected to a continuous system of paths that connects the three surrounding areas.

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Klaksvik City Centre-Henning Larsen

New street plan to minimize the effects of the wind.

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Klaksvik City Centre-Henning Larsen

The new star-shaped square becomes the heart of the city.

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Klaksvik City Centre-Henning Larsen

Phasing plans for the new urban city development.

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Klaksvik City Centre-Henning Larsen

Henning Larsen Architects has unveiled plans for their winning sustainable city development for Klaksvík, the second largest city in the Faroe Islands. Out of 154 competition proposals, the Copenhagen firm wowed the jury with a city centre that would literally transform the urban environment. A star-shaped central square provides a connection to the water front, beach, surrounding green areas and the city, while a new street plan will help minimize the effects of the very windy climate.